Hear NHC Director Bill Read Speak June 20th in Birmingham/Montgomery

June 1 marked the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. We have already experienced one strong tropical storm and a very active hurricane season is forecast for this year.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 11 – Alabama is no stranger to tropical weather. Over the years, numerous tropical storms and hurricanes have impacted the state with high winds, widespread power outages, flooding, tornadoes and extreme damage from storm surge.

Understanding and preparing for these dangerous storms is critical. Recently retired National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read will be speaking to the Central Alabama Chapter of the National Weather Association on Thursday, June 20th, at an early afternoon meeting in Montgomery and an evening meeting in Birmingham that are both open to the public.

Members of the chapter get to attend the talks for free. Guests may attend for just $15.

The Montgomery meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Auburn University Montgomery in the Ida Bell Young Library Tower, 10th floor, South Room. Plenty of free parking will be available.

Prior to the general meeting in Montgomery, there will also be a student pizza lunch with Director Read at 11:30 in the same location. The event is free for high school and college students who are interested in meteorology. Read will speak on careers in tropical meteorology.

Reservations are required for the Student Luncheon. They are available on a first come, first served basis at:

The Birmingham meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Medical Forum at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, in meeting rooms G/H/I on the 3rd floor. Street parking is free and easy to find on Richard Arrington or 22nd or 23rd street. Attendees may utilize the Valet services at the front of either the Sheraton or Westin for $20. They can also self-park in the parking deck for $8.00. Enter the deck on 22nd street or 23rd street and take Skywalk to the 3rd floor of the Forum.

During his visit, Director Read will also be speaking to the employees at the National Weather Service in Birmingham about tropical meteorology and to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency in Clanton. He will also be available for media interviews.

The Chapter is also taking applications now for its annual $500 college scholarship. Any Alabama resident pursuing a college degree in meteorology, including high school seniors, is eligible to apply. The deadline for application is June 20th. Go to the chapter’s scholarship page for more information and to apply.

The goal of the Central Alabama National Weather Association Chapter is to increase weather awareness and education. Members have plenty of opportunities to interface, network and work together in a relaxed setting, which will advance the understanding of each other’s roles and foster personal relationships that will come in handy when skies turn threatening. There are abundant opportunities to get involved in leadership through committees and officer positions.

Local dues are just $25, which allows members to attend all events, including an upcoming social at a Birmingham Barons game. Dues can be paid online with credit card or PayPal ($1.06 processing fee), or by check or cash in person at a meeting or by mail.

Join Online at the Chapter website.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Tropical